About the Book:
It’s 1767. As the eagerly anticipated sequel to Beyond Derrynane begins, Eileen O’Connell avails
herself of a fortuitous opportunity to travel back to Ireland. In Two Journeys Home, the O’Connells
encounter old faces and new—and their lives change forever.
herself of a fortuitous opportunity to travel back to Ireland. In Two Journeys Home, the O’Connells
encounter old faces and new—and their lives change forever.
Her vivacious personality matched only by her arresting physical presence, Eileen returns to
Derrynane this time not as a teen aged widow but as one of the most recognised figures at the
Habsburg court. Before returning to Vienna she experiences a whirlwind romance, leading to a
tumult of betrayal and conflict with the O’Connell clan.
Derrynane this time not as a teen aged widow but as one of the most recognised figures at the
Habsburg court. Before returning to Vienna she experiences a whirlwind romance, leading to a
tumult of betrayal and conflict with the O’Connell clan.
Abigail lives not in the shadow of her sister but instead becomes the principal lady-in-waiting to
Empress Maria Theresa.
Empress Maria Theresa.
Hugh O’Connell leaves behind waning adolescence and a fleeting attraction to the youngest
archduchess when he begins a military career in the Irish Brigade under Louis XV. But more royal
entanglement awaits him in France…
archduchess when he begins a military career in the Irish Brigade under Louis XV. But more royal
entanglement awaits him in France…
Author Kevin O’Connell again deftly weaves threads of historical fact and fancy to create a colourful
tapestry affording unique insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe and Protestant
Ascendancy–ruled Ireland. Watch as the saga continues to unfold amongst the O’Connell’s, their friends
and enemies, at home and abroad.
tapestry affording unique insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe and Protestant
Ascendancy–ruled Ireland. Watch as the saga continues to unfold amongst the O’Connell’s, their friends
and enemies, at home and abroad.
Editorial Reviews:
O’Connell is a fantastic storyteller. His prose is so rich and beautiful it is a joy to read. The story is
compelling and the characters memorable – all the more so because they are based on real people. . .
I am Irish but I did not know about this piece of Irish history. It is fascinating but historical fiction at the
same time . . . Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers!
compelling and the characters memorable – all the more so because they are based on real people. . .
I am Irish but I did not know about this piece of Irish history. It is fascinating but historical fiction at the
same time . . . Highly recommended for historical fiction lovers!
(c) Beth Nolan, Beth’s Book Nook
I enjoyed the first part of the Saga awhile back . . . (and) couldn’t wait to continue the story of Eileen and
her family . . . this author really does have a way with words. The world and the characters are so vivid . . .
Overall, I was hooked from page one. I honestly think that (Two Journeys Home) was better than (Beyond
Derrynane) – which is rare. The characters and world-building was done in such a beautiful manner . . . I
can’t wait for the next one . . .
her family . . . this author really does have a way with words. The world and the characters are so vivid . . .
Overall, I was hooked from page one. I honestly think that (Two Journeys Home) was better than (Beyond
Derrynane) – which is rare. The characters and world-building was done in such a beautiful manner . . . I
can’t wait for the next one . . .
(c) Carole Rae, Carole’s Sunday Review, Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe . . . is a gripping story that will transport the
reader back in time, a story with a strong setting and compelling characters . . . a sensational romance,
betrayal, family drama and intrigue . . . The plot is so complex that I find it hard to offer a summary in a
few lines, but it is intriguing and it holds many surprises . . . great writing. Kevin O’Connell’s prose is crisp
and highly descriptive. I was delighted (by) . . . how he builds the setting, offering . . . powerful images of
places, exploring cultural traits and unveiling the political climate of the time . . . The conflict is (as well-
developed as the characters) and it is a powerful ingredient that moves the plot forward . . . an absorbing
and intelligently-crafted historical novel . . . .
reader back in time, a story with a strong setting and compelling characters . . . a sensational romance,
betrayal, family drama and intrigue . . . The plot is so complex that I find it hard to offer a summary in a
few lines, but it is intriguing and it holds many surprises . . . great writing. Kevin O’Connell’s prose is crisp
and highly descriptive. I was delighted (by) . . . how he builds the setting, offering . . . powerful images of
places, exploring cultural traits and unveiling the political climate of the time . . . The conflict is (as well-
developed as the characters) and it is a powerful ingredient that moves the plot forward . . . an absorbing
and intelligently-crafted historical novel . . . .
(c) Divine Zapa for Readers’ Favourite
About the Author:
Kevin O’Connell is a native of New York City and the descendant of a young officer of what had—
from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French Army, believed to have arrived in French
Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. He holds both Irish
and American citizenship.
from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French Army, believed to have arrived in French
Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. He holds both Irish
and American citizenship.
An international business attorney, Mr. O’Connell is an alumnus of Providence College and
Georgetown University Law Centre.
Georgetown University Law Centre.
A lifelong personal and scholarly interest in the history of eighteenth-century Ireland, as well as that
of his extended family, led O’Connell to create his first book, Beyond Derrynane, which will, together
with Two Journeys Home and the two books to follow, comprise the Derrynane Saga.
of his extended family, led O’Connell to create his first book, Beyond Derrynane, which will, together
with Two Journeys Home and the two books to follow, comprise the Derrynane Saga.
The father of five children and grandfather of ten, he and his wife, Laurette, live with their golden
retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland.
retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland.
Links:
Author Website
Tour Schedule: Blog Stops (February 19th – 23rd)
February 19th
Spotlight Layered Pages
February 20th
Guest Post -The Writing Desk
Guest Post – Blood Mother Blog
February 21th
Book Review - A Bookaholic Swede
Book Excerpt – Kate Braithwaite
Guest Post – A Literary Vacation
February 22nd
Interview & Review – Flashlight Commentary
Book Excerpt – Just One More Chapter
Book Review –Impressions In Ink
February 23rd
Book Review – Lock, Hooks and Books
Book Review – before the second sleep
My Review
Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe is the second book from
Kevin O’Connell’s series called The Derrynane Saga. Even though I did not read Beyond
Derrynane, I still thought it was a good historical. The characters are captivating and the
plot fascinating. Being an Irish girl, I greatly enjoyed the vividly detailed setting in Ireland. I believe Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe is one historical readers
would not want to miss and I give it four stars. I cannot wait to get my hands on book one and
see what happened prior to this one. I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my honest opinion.
Kevin O’Connell’s series called The Derrynane Saga. Even though I did not read Beyond
Derrynane, I still thought it was a good historical. The characters are captivating and the
plot fascinating. Being an Irish girl, I greatly enjoyed the vividly detailed setting in Ireland. I believe Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe is one historical readers
would not want to miss and I give it four stars. I cannot wait to get my hands on book one and
see what happened prior to this one. I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my honest opinion.
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